Blacklisting of mining firms as per MMRD Act, says Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today remained non-committal on blacklisting of mining firms in the event they are found involved in illegal mining during investigation.
He said that action against such entities will be decided by a competent authority as per the provisions of the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act.
"Black listing or preventing a company from getting a mining lease will depend on the MMRD Act and the regulations under it. Some of the regulations suggest that we compound the fine, while some of the regulations recommend termination of the leases. It can be decided by competent authority, I cannot decide it," Parrikar told reporters here.

While a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the crime branch is currently investigating more than 15 cases filed against mine owners, the state government has appointed a panel comprising chartered accountants which will point out illegalities and help government to file cases against miners involved in financial irregularities, if any, pertaining to iron ore extraction and export between 2005 and 2012.
Justice M B Shah Commission in its investigation had claimed that illegal mining in the coastal state is to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore.
The state government, which is in the process of renewing mining leases after the Supreme Court lifted its ban, has already said that those mining firms found violating Clause 37 of the Mineral Concession Rules (means transferring of leases without government approval) would not be getting leases.

"We have decided that those mining leases, which are found guilty under Clause 37 of MCR by Shah Commission, will not have their mining leases renewed," Parrikar said.

Parrikar also said those mining firms which have been indicted by the Shah panel will not get their leases renewed unless proceedings against them by authorities are completed.
"The state government has taken up 28 mining leases for renewal in the first stage, but of them only 20 leases would be eligible. We have completed exercise (renewal) as far as 13 mining leases are concerned," he said.
Parrikar clarified even if a mining lease is renewed, it can lose licence if it is indicted during detailed inquiry. "There are specific conditions put in the mining lease renewals," he added.